Laika Studios Announces Its Next Stop-Motion Animated Film WILDWOOD
Laika Studios has announced that its next stop-motion animated film will be Wildwood. The feature is based on a novel written by Colin Meloy, the lead singer and songwriter for The Decemberists. The book was illustrated by artist Carson Ellis.
In the story, “Beyond Portland’s city limits lies Wildwood. You’re not supposed to go there. You’re not even supposed to know it exists. But Prue McKeel is about to enter this enchanted wonderland. Her baby brother Mac has been taken by a murder of crows into the forest’s depths, and she – along with her hapless classmate Curtis – is going to get him back. Prue might think she’s too old for fairytales, but she’s just found herself at the center of one. One filled with strange talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions.”
That sounds like another perfect project for Laika and its creative team to take on. The announcement came from Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings), President & CEO of the animation studio, and he will direct the film. Knight shared in a statement:
“As a deep-dyed native son of Oregon, I have rainwater, microbrew, and fair-trade coffee coursing through my veins. With Wildwood, I have the opportunity to tell a madly ambitious story of magic, wonder, and danger set in the place I grew up. My very own Portland will join that pantheon of unforgettable fantasy realms, with a stirring epic that will kindle imaginations, lift spirits, and break hearts.
“Colin and Carson’s novel is a lyrical work of art. The entire Laika family is fully committed to honoring it with a film of breathtaking spectacle and aching beauty. I can’t wait to share it with the world. Although we’re doing this in stop-motion, so, you know, I’ll have to.”
I can’t wait to see how this turns out. I love the films that Laika has made. I love their storytelling style, and I love the crazy amount of detail that they put into their designs and animation work.
Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel will shoot the film. The creative team also includes producer Arianne Sutner and screenwriter Chris Butler, both of which won the Golden Globe for their work on Missing Link.
Source: Variety